Carroll: Special teams improved after ‘horrific’ performance in opener

The 49ers’ 33-17 season-opening win over the Seahawks was decided when Ted Ginn had a kickoff return and a punt return for a touchdown in a 59-second span late in the fourth quarter.

More than three months later, however, Ginn might not be available when the NFC West rivals reunite Saturday in Seattle due an ankle injury he suffered against the Steelers. In addition, Seattle coach Pete Carroll says the Seahawks’ coverage units are much improved since offering up a Week 1 performance that clearly disgusted him.

“That was about as horrific a demonstration of special teams as you could throw out there — giving up two kicks to lose a football game in the fourth quarter,” Carroll said. “I’ve never seen that happen like that. And it hasn’t happened since like that.”

After giving up two returns for scores in less than a minute, Seattle has allowed just one return for touchdown in their past 13 games (the 49ers are the only team to not allow a return for a touchdown this season). In Seattle’s 34-12 loss to the Bengals on Oct. 30, Cincinnati’s Brandon Tate had a 56-yard punt return for a score.

Since that loss, Seattle (7-7) has won five of its past seven games and Carroll says special teams have played a role in the turnaround.

“It’s come together and been a big factor in helping us win in the second half of the season,” he said.

Carroll highlighted a pair of former 49ers – Michael Robinson and Chris Maragos – in explaining the improved play.

He mentioned the leadership of Robinson, who was a special-teams stalwart in San Francisco from 2006-10. More surprising was his praise of Maragos, who was among the Niners’ final roster cuts on Sept. 3 after appearing in three games last year as a rookie.

The Seahawks signed Maragos to their practice squad on Sept. 22 and promoted him to the active roster on Oct. 22. Maragos has made eight tackles in Seattle’s past four games.

“Chris Maragos and (linebacker Heath) Farwell and have been huge factors for us,” Carroll said.